Sonim Technologies today announced its new XP8 and XP5S ultra-rugged LTE devices that are designed to provide FirstNet users with new public-safety-centric capabilities, including an interface that supports a module that enables direct-mode push-to-talk (PTT) communications between devices when a network is not available.

In 2013, Sonim Technologies introduced its first rugged cell phone that could operate on the 20 MHz of 700 MHz Band 14 spectrum licensed to FirstNet, which last year contracted with AT&T to build and maintain a nationwide public-safety broadband network (NPSBN). During the past five years, the handset manufacturer’s products have played a key role in more than 100 public-safety LTE trials in 30 states—experiences that drove the development of the XP8 and XP5S, according to Sonim Technologies CEO Bob Plaschke.